Theseus
Theseus was a legendary hero and the founder as well as a king of Athens in Greek mythology.
History
Myth
As one of the Greek mythology's legendary heroes, many stories were attached to Theseus. He bested the Minotaur, and had an affair with Ariadne, a Kretan princess, whom he abandoned on Naxos Island.[1]
Theseus also had a wife, Phaidra, who fell in love with Theseus' son, Hippolytos. When the feelings weren't mutual, Phaidra told Theseus that Hippolytos had violated her, and in anger Theseus invoked the god Poseidon. Poseidon sent a sea monster, and Hippolytos died in the Sinkholes of Herakles region of Argolis while driving in his chariot.[1]
Ultimately, Theseus met his end at the hands of King Lykomedes of Skyros, when the latter cast Theseus off a cliff on the island.[1]
5th century BCE
The story of Theseus' end was preserved in memory, as the Spartan misthios Kassandra visited the site of his death, named Hero's Fall.[1]
Trivia
- In some stories, Theseus is counted among the Argonauts.
- The tapestry depicting Theseus and Minotaur in Assassin's Creed: Odyssey is based on a painting on a 5th century BCE stamnos.
Gallery
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Tapestry of Theseus slaying the Minotaur
Appearances
- Assassin's Creed: Odyssey (statue only)
References